Any 5-speed gearshift upgrades?

[Gnarlodious]

I’d like to upgrade my clunky 5-speed shifter system, does anyone have any recommendations, experience or advice? Almost 300k on my van and the parts are wearing out. I've looked at the cable system and the transmission end looks good:
https://ranchotransaxles.com/cable-shift-conversion-for-094-transaxle/
…however the shift tower seems like an afterthought. Also maybe the cable mount on the back end (actually the front) can't fit up there because the 5-speed is so tight against the underside?
Then I looked at the "Big Shot shifter", but it only replaces the shift rod, swivel and gate system:
…although it does have good reports. But upgrading the back end parts has the added advantage of making the oil hole accessible.
Also looke at the "025 Motorsport 711 Shifter”:
http://t3technique.com/drivetrain-parts/479/
A little pricey, but still only replaces the front end.
Any suggestions?
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Vanagon ’83 diesel AAZ w/Giles injection, 5spd 4.57R&P+TBD and a '78 diesel Rabbit

[hdenter]

Do you have a true 5speed shifting mechanism now or do you have some sort of modified 4 speed shifter? If you have stock components and they are wearing out, why not just overhaul it? The back end parts are the same as the four-speed parts and I believe all of them are still available for refurbishing. The shifter, guide box and the front half of the shift rod are, of course, different. But I'm pretty sure all those rebuild parts are available, too. If the us parts guys don't have it, there are European suppliers that have them. Clean it all up, replace the worn plastic and rubber parts and give it some grease in the right places.

Hans
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[hdenter]

You could even do a Gene Berg short shift kit if you wanted, but I wouldn't recommend it. I think it would be too hard on the synchros in the tranny.

Hans
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[markswagen]

if you have the complete stock linkage, front to back, replace ALL the wear items, it'll be as good as new.
l've replaced several for customers, all have reported it was like driving someone else's van.
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markswagen {mobile mechanic} san diego area all early VW's cared for.

619 201 0310

[Gizmoman]

I tried a cable system I designed/built myself.
Used top-notch cables, heim joints and custom built mounts and shifter. In the end, there's nothing smoother than a well set-up stock linkage. There will always be some drag with cables. If you're ok with that, then proceed.
Yes, a four speed box will work with the AAP. As I recall, there are some bolt-in bits you can buy that change the pattern - sorry, I don't recall where I purchased the kit. My AAP requires a push-down, left, back to engage 1st - also reverse (as is standard).
After about ten miles of snigging the van around, I took off and eventually discarded the cable system and bought what I needed to return to stock - works flawlessly, You will need to do some fiddling, but once done correctly, it's sweet.
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[hdenter]

Yes the 4 speed shifter and guide box will work for a 5 speed trans, but having to push down and back every time for first, though, sucks. Syncros use the 4 speed shifting system because they don't use first (Granny) gear for regular driving. The true 5 speed set up is nice. For my AAS trans I just kept the stock 4 speed shifter and took off the guild box. I don't need the guild to tell me where the gears are and I always shift with my finger tips. Works fine for now. I've managed to collect all the 5 speed shifter parts except the front half of the rod. I can't find anyone in Europe that will ship it to me😡!

Hans
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'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender

[Jake de Villiers]

Huh. I have a 5 speed and it shifts very well. No, its not like a Formula Ford box or even an early Porsche with the dogleg first but gears are easy to find and engage...
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'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com

[Gizmoman]

If it weren't for my larger tires, my 1st would be a granny. I can start off in 2nd if I'm the least bit downhill. The push-down and back has become quite natural.
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82 Vanagon Westy - AAZ 1.9 TD, HE200 Holset, WAIC, 27.75 dia tires, Electric power steering, 5-speed AAP w/.078 5th
Oversize spare carrier - stock location (no longer for sale).

[MarkWard]

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=337282
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☮️

[Gnarlodious]

[Corwyn]

I have a friend John Ranney in Tucson who put a Subaru 3.3 in his 1990 Westy and matched to a Porsche G50 5-speed manual transmission. He had to weld the spindles on (240hp). Sixty mph in second gear!

https://www.europeanautotech.net/meet-the-team
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'90 White Westy ("The Longship")
FAS Gen V 2.0
The Annual Baja Rally
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=604813&highlight=baja

"If anything's" gonna happen, it's gonna happen out there"
~ Captain Ron ~

[Ahwahnee]

[Corwyn]